On Tour, Part 4

This is the fourth in a series of five blogs about the SOLI Chamber Ensemble’s tour of Dallas, Denver and Colorado Springs this week. SOLI includes three San Antonio Symphony musicians: Ertan Torgul, violin; Stephanie Key, clarinet; David Mollenauer, cello and pianist Carolyn E. True. Texas Public Radio’s John Clare has joined the quartet to document the tour.

Last night was SOLI’s performance in Denver. Here is John Clare’s report:

“Today SOLI heads down to Colorado Springs after a great time in Denver. Carolyn arrived early in Denver and taught a chamber music masterclass at Metropolitan College of Denver, and after the rest of arrived, grabbed lunch and a rehearsal in the recital hall. On the flight to Denver from Dallas, David Mollenauer had checked with the airlines after buying a ticket for his cello. Several calls were made and everything seemed to be in order. Of course, once the cello was seen on board, things changed – no longer could David and the cello sit with the rest of us, but were moved to row 1. Stephanie Key, his wife, moved with the two up front, and Ertan Torgul and I stayed in the seats we had.

The concert at Metro College went well, with a medium sized but appreciative audience. This program was slightly different than last nights, with John Williams’ Air & Simple Gifts replacing one of the Rodriquez pieces. Then SOLI’s commissioned work by Robert Xavier Rodriquez’s, Musica por un Tiempo and intermission. Second half, Messiaen’s Quartet for the end of time.

It never fails to move me when after the Messiaen the audience reaction of such deep emotion. It’s breathtaking as the musicians and audience are rapped in the moment and the silence that is held. Then the applause cascades – a standing ovation that was well deserved! In the audience were some friends from the area, and family! Stephanie Key’s godmother who is 87 came to see and hear her!

Afterwards the quartet and I went for a nice meal, nearby in “Lodo” (lower downtown) at Rioja. We were blown away, and lots of little coincidences made the night. First, the waiter asked if we had just played @ the Colorado Symphony, evidently Jeffery Kahane (Music Director of the Colorado Symphony) is a regular there. [Carolyn True was Jeffery’s assistant @ Eastman School of Music in college!] We also had quite a view of the street scene, enjoying our meal (including short ribs, lamb, butternut squash soup [in a butternut squash bowl!], beets, fresh herb breads, and a fig dessert) al fresco in the cool fall air. The food, company and atmosphere really capped a great night and concert.” — John Clare

Here is a video of SOLI’s performance last night in Denver of John Williams’ composition commissioned for President Obama’s Inauguration. SOLI will perform the moving Messiaen work that John blogged about at the McNay on November 1.

Don’t forget about these upcoming events this week here in San Antonio:

• TODAY: Sunday at 1:30 p.m. San Antonio Symphony Family Concert featuring Peter and the Wolf at Trinity University.